Write the formula for each molecular compound. d. phosphorus pentafluoride

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in the compound: phosphorus (P) and fluorine (F).
2. Determine the prefix for the number of atoms: 'penta-' indicates five.
3. Write the chemical symbol for phosphorus: P.
4. Write the chemical symbol for fluorine: F.
5. Combine the symbols with the appropriate subscript for fluorine: PF_5.

Key Concepts

Molecular Compounds

Molecular compounds are formed when two or more nonmetals bond together by sharing electrons. These compounds typically have distinct molecular formulas that indicate the types and numbers of atoms present. Understanding how to write these formulas involves recognizing the elements involved and their respective quantities, often indicated by prefixes in the compound's name.

Naming Conventions

The naming of molecular compounds follows specific conventions, often using prefixes to denote the number of atoms of each element. For example, 'penta-' indicates five atoms of an element. In the case of phosphorus pentafluoride, the prefix 'penta-' signifies that there are five fluorine atoms bonded to one phosphorus atom, which is crucial for accurately writing the chemical formula.

Chemical Formula Representation

A chemical formula represents the composition of a compound using element symbols and numerical subscripts. For phosphorus pentafluoride, the formula is PF5, where 'P' stands for phosphorus and 'F' for fluorine, with the subscript '5' indicating that there are five fluorine atoms. This concise representation allows chemists to quickly understand the molecular structure and stoichiometry of the compound.